Rising Costs and Decreased Services

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Gratuities are still a personal choice and even though I find the practice of not paying them a bit deplorable, they are still a choice everyone makes. I'm one of those passengers who doesn't mind the nickle and diming when on a cruise because I rarely, if ever pay for the extras since I am satisfied with the limited offerings that are included with my base fare. If I want something "extra" I will pay for it whether it be alcohol, or fru-fru coffee, or fancy tea, or a big steak in the pay for eateries. Give me a reasonably priced fare and I can then decide if I want more. Besides, I don't like paying for things I don't use or don't care about so that someone else can have something "special". Just the way my boat floats.

[Karnyval]

Haven't they upped the gratuities even higher recently? Or did Carnival as well?

 

Carnival raised gratuities to match what Princess did last January.

 

Princess recently announced they are raising gratuities for the second time in 2016.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7237

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Maybe I am different, but I could care less about turndown service. I prefer to reuse the towels to save on dumping detergent into the ocean. I could even make my own beds if needed to. Our last cruise I asked about the robe, more because I didn't want to be charged for it if was supposed to be in the room. The steward brought us fresh robes within an hour. I see people on these ships complaining about every little thing, I heard one woman at Customer Service pissed off because they didn't leave a bedtime chocalate on her pillow. All in all cruising is one of the most affordable (almost) all- inclusive vacation you can take. While I am ranting, what about the people on Facebook pleading with John Heald for some chocolate covered cherries because it's heir birthday or anniversary. It's your event, that's what the fun shops are for, quit begging. These comments are not directed at the original poster. Ultimately it's your vacation, so make th best of it.

 

Just curious as to how much less you could care about turn down service?

 

Is the cherry thing another cutback changing from strawberry's to cherries?

 

Bill

[JohnSpo]

My first cruise 13 years ago was a 7 day inside rate for 2 of $1,200. A similar cruise I booked for next year 2017 is $1,015. Prices are still reasonable on Carnival. I would rather pay this lower price and then pay for extras that I want to do. Hotels, car rentals and airlines do it this way now too.

[amsred2]

To the OP...

I totally get what you are saying. I used to be the biggest cheerleader for carnival, defending the changes and saying that I didn't mind them and that it was the cost of doing business. I never needed to bother with other lines since Carnival left me with such a great impression every cruise.

 

The truth is, that the last couple cruises just didn't have that "je ne sais quoi", that wondrous feeling of euphoria that I had grown accustomed to from being on a Carnival ship. I used to leave a cruise with the magical feeling of being in a real life fairy tale.

 

Last year, after some of the changes started taking place, I took a cruise on the Dream that was just "OK" and chalked it up to being a bigger ship, the newness of the programs, time of year, etc... I figured it was a fluke since every cruise before that was enchanting.

 

This year I have taken three cruises (decided to give the Dream another chance). It was more of the same and all have just fallen a little flat. Nothing was majorly wrong but I just really missed those extra touches.

 

Although I don't NEED my room magically cleaned constantly (I used to swear they just popped out of the ceiling every time you left the room), chocolate on my pillow or towel animals, in the past I enjoyed getting spoiled with those things that I couldn't get anywhere else but on a Carnival cruise. But recently, the room stewards (yes on every one of this year's three voyages) initially tried to enforce the one-a-day service instead of my cabin just being magically cleaned. I wasn't offered the menu or any options. After following these boards I knew to ask for both morning cleaning and turn down service, but I could see the look of stress it caused the steward. Having to reluctantly and uncomfortably ask, and then feeling bad about stressing them out, just took away from that magical feeling.

 

I don't mind the extra little charges but they do add up.

 

There are less crew members who are more overworked and simply not able to give the same level of personalized service that I had become accustomed to and understandably, they don't seem as happy and friendly. I feel for them and don't take it out on those hardworking people. But even feeling bad for the crew takes away from the "magical" experience.

 

Lastly, I really really really miss the orchestra/bands that played the theater (Though the shows are still fun).

 

 

I will continue to cruise Carnival since they do hold a special place in my heart and, despite the changes, I do still enjoy cruising. Living close to Long Beach makes it easy to get away for an inexpensive weekend on Carnival. However, I am to the point that I am considering trying other lines, or all-inclusives, for my longer vacations to see for myself what they may, or may not have to offer.

[falkcor]

Since it appears that you only sail on Carnival, you really have no point of reference as to value. Sometimes it is good to venture out and try something new. See what it costs and see what you get for the money.

 

since it appears that you only NEVER sail on carnival, you really have no point of reference as to value. sometimes you should try the product and try something new, before posting as if you know it all. see if you like it and how that compares to the non-relevant things you post regarding the product before you offer them up.

 

i seriously do not understand why you post in this forum at all.

 

to the OP - triumph never had the coolers. it's an old ship. i think the room steward situation is just crap. i'm not sure some of them know what they're supposed to do. you don't have to order the stuff with a charge from room service - but you could never get hot fries etc. that they added (for charge) either.

[linbobky]

since it appears that you only NEVER sail on carnival, you really have no point of reference as to value. sometimes you should try the product and try something new, before posting as if you know it all. see if you like it and how that compares to the non-relevant things you post regarding the product before you offer them up.

 

i seriously do not understand why you post in this forum at all.

 

to the OP - triumph never had the coolers. it's an old ship. i think the room steward situation is just crap. i'm not sure some of them know what they're supposed to do. you don't have to order the stuff with a charge from room service - but you could never get hot fries etc. that they added (for charge) either.

 

good post! some people think they are a legend in there own mind!:)

[sfaaa]

Easy fix. If you feel Carnival is charging you too much and giving you an inferior product, stop cruising with them. That way, you get to keep all your money and relieve yourself of all the frustrations.

[maldenmusic]

I'm sticking with Carnival

[sfaaa]

I'm sticking with Carnival

 

Millions of cruisers worldwide agree with you.

[StolidCruiser]

Easy fix. If you feel Carnival is charging you too much and giving you an inferior product, stop cruising with them. That way, you get to keep all your money and relieve yourself of all the frustrations.

 

Succinct and to the point.

 

Problem solved.

[riclop]

Just off the Triumph last week. Got a low room rate but other costs have increased a good bit.

Port fee - $100 for five days

Gratuity - $195 for three

Afternoon tea - $1.95 charge for any tea other than a Lipton (which I could get on Lido)

Excursions have increased. Some that we could have gotten through an outside

agency were forbidden to compete with Carnival.

No bathrobes.

No refrigerator. Ice has to be requested.

Turn down service was confusing. Sometimes, he did morning and sometimes afternoon even though we had chosen.

Charge for a lot of room service items.

 

I'm only 8 sailing days from Platinum, so I will struggle on. It seemed to be very costly for 3 people this time.

That is the theme on all lines.

[happy traveler69]

I used to pay 35 cents a gallon for gas and didn't have to pump it myself.

 

My parents bought a 3 bedroom 3 bath house for $17,500 years ago.

 

My first car only cost me $3500

 

A twinkie used to cost me 12 cents

 

My first job, I started at $1.35 an hour

 

 

this is the best response ever!!! so true

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[ekajun1957]

I notice that some are bothered by every thing that has changed according to their post. Not one change is OK with them? Think maybe it's you? Could every change be ruining your cruise? I kind of agree with charging for special tea. So few people go to the tea so why should the cost be spread among everyone? Should I be able to eat in the steak house for free? They start offering hot room service for a fee, and that is a "bad thing"?

Finally if you call Carnival a "WalMart" cruise line do you not use WalMart? Do you expect Walmart prices at Tiffany's?

[jimbo5544]

this is the best response ever!!! so true

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

and absolutely no reference to the cost of cruising.....

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[stevenr597]

Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines) announced that for the last quarter, its profits increased by 17%. As a Platinum Level cruiser of Carnival, I do disagree with many of their cost cutting measures. But it does appear that there policy of increasing prices, and cutting operating costs have been very successful. Apparently they do have a good business model.

 

For those individuals who state that the prices have not gone up, the article stated that bookings have increase despite a considerable increase in cruising prices.

 

One must admit that Carnival brings many jobs to the U.S. ports that they are based in.

[winddawn]

That is the theme on all lines.

That's a good point.

 

I've been taking advantage of the land-based casino offers I've been receiving lately, and cruising less. The land-based offers are much better than the recent casino offers I've received from Carnival. I think Carnival may have noticed. I got a premier casino offer from Carnival in snail mail this week, and the casino cash offer was $100 higher than they've ever offered me in the past ($400 cash now vs. $300 in all past premier offers).

 

It pays to shop around to determine who wants your business more. It's not like I won't cruise Carnival again. But I will continue to spend my vacation dollars where I get the best overall value.

[DebJ14]

What do you mean by a charge for teas other than Lipton? Do you mean there were upgraded fees for Earl Grey or Green?

 

As for the rest of it, we too have only sailed Carnival, but we have toured ships on other lines and every line has their own add-ons for which they charge. Also, port fees are not determined by Carnival, they are negotiated with the ports (governments) where they dock.

 

You can have Green Tea or Lipton at no extra charge.

All the other teas are Art of Tea (in the nice wooden box) and cost $1.95 per tea bag.

Thank goodness I brought a box of hibiscus tea on our last cruise. I just tucked one in my pocket and asked for hot water at breakfast every day. I also bring my own liquid stevia since I don't use sugar or artificial sweeteners.

[kat2009]

Since it appears that you only sail on Carnival, you really have no point of reference as to value. Sometimes it is good to venture out and try something new. See what it costs and see what you get for the money.

 

Which cruise line do you recommend? I sail out of New Orleans (and soon, Mobile). I am very interested in one that has a single supplement.

[kat2009]

It seems as though you are an experienced Carnival cruiser, but maybe you should spend a little more time on these boards or use some other means to find out a little bit more about what to expect on each ship and what changes Carnival may have made since your last cruise.

 

I've read it and I follow John Heald's column. It just seems to add up when you are actually experiencing it. I haven't said I will discontinue using Carnival nor was there any "snark" in my post. Just pointing out facts.

[sfaaa]

 

One must admit that Carnival brings many jobs to the U.S. ports that they are based in.

 

Not just US, Carnival provides many jobs worldwide including recruiting workers from third world countries that have little or no employment opportunities back home. Each ship on average employs over 1,000 crews + spinoff jobs on land and other industries.

[kat2009]

To the OP...

I totally get what you are saying. I used to be the biggest cheerleader for carnival, defending the changes and saying that I didn't mind them and that it was the cost of doing business. I never needed to bother with other lines since Carnival left me with such a great impression every cruise.

 

The truth is, that the last couple cruises just didn't have that "je ne sais quoi", that wondrous feeling of euphoria that I had grown accustomed to from being on a Carnival ship. I used to leave a cruise with the magical feeling of being in a real life fairy tale.

 

Last year, after some of the changes started taking place, I took a cruise on the Dream that was just "OK" and chalked it up to being a bigger ship, the newness of the programs, time of year, etc... I figured it was a fluke since every cruise before that was enchanting.

 

This year I have taken three cruises (decided to give the Dream another chance). It was more of the same and all have just fallen a little flat. Nothing was majorly wrong but I just really missed those extra touches.

 

Although I don't NEED my room magically cleaned constantly (I used to swear they just popped out of the ceiling every time you left the room), chocolate on my pillow or towel animals, in the past I enjoyed getting spoiled with those things that I couldn't get anywhere else but on a Carnival cruise. But recently, the room stewards (yes on every one of this year's three voyages) initially tried to enforce the one-a-day service instead of my cabin just being magically cleaned. I wasn't offered the menu or any options. After following these boards I knew to ask for both morning cleaning and turn down service, but I could see the look of stress it caused the steward. Having to reluctantly and uncomfortably ask, and then feeling bad about stressing them out, just took away from that magical feeling.

 

I don't mind the extra little charges but they do add up.

 

There are less crew members who are more overworked and simply not able to give the same level of personalized service that I had become accustomed to and understandably, they don't seem as happy and friendly. I feel for them and don't take it out on those hardworking people. But even feeling bad for the crew takes away from the "magical" experience.

 

Lastly, I really really really miss the orchestra/bands that played the theater (Though the shows are still fun).

 

 

I will continue to cruise Carnival since they do hold a special place in my heart and, despite the changes, I do still enjoy cruising. Living close to Long Beach makes it easy to get away for an inexpensive weekend on Carnival. However, I am to the point that I am considering trying other lines, or all-inclusives, for my longer vacations to see for myself what they may, or may not have to offer.

 

Thank you. You said it in a much better way than I did. I forgot to point out that all of those changes took place since my previous cruise just 10 months before.

[Florings]

Definitely many changes over the few short years I've been cruising Carnival. But it is still the best value on the sea for the times I want to cruise.

 

Of all the changes...and I know this is silly...but I miss those dang chocolates the most. Not necessarily the flavor, though they used to be good - but the whole ambience of the thing. Fold down service, linens crisp and white, little squares of chocolate placed just so. Next day's Capers laid out to read before sleep. Perfection!

 

BUT - if I want chocolate, I'll order the yummy choco chip cookies or cake from room service!

[tef43]

In 1983, an IS-equivalent cabin was priced at $999/pp. Do the math.

[Karnyval]

 

Lastly, I really really really miss the orchestra/bands that played the theater (Though the shows are still fun).

 

 

 

Perhaps not a full orchestra, but try Carnival Vista - live music is back for at least a couple of the shows.